On June 10th, we donned our rain boots and hit Alstede Farms in New Jersey to pick our own strawberries. Although Charlie and Vivi lasted in the strawberry fields for all of three minutes, they were more than content to scamper up the hay pyramid, feed the goats and donkeys, pet the bunnies, make goofy faces at the chickens, roosters, and pigs, munch on cider doughnuts, and generally soak up all of the country air. The one turn-off about our visit was the frequent admonition not to eat any fruit until it had been paid for. I mean, come on, isn’t that part of the allure of pick-your-own farms, especially with young children in tow who always seem to be starving?
Some books to get you in the mood to get down on the farm and pick your own berries are:
- Jamberry by Bruce Degen
- Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey
- Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
How 'bout them strawberries?
The Hay Pyramid
Wagons to transport your berries and children
These boots are made for strawberry pickin'
Feed the Animals At Your Own Risk...And Do NOT Eat Any Berries While Picking!!!
Alstede Farms, 84 County Rte. 513 (Old Rte. 24) GPS Address: 1 Chesterfield Drive, Chester, NJ 07930-0278, (908) 879-7189, www.alstedefarms.com; Pick your own strawberries in the month of June, open daily 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, $2.99 per pound
